Embracing the Beautiful Mess of Motherhood

Happy Mother’s Day! I know I’m a couple days late but if you’re a mom, you get the chaos that prevents me from doing what I set out to do in a timely matter. This year Mark and I spent our first mother’s day in 10 years with our mother’s, thus guaranteeing they received the card and present that I usually find unsent around July. Points for me this year!!

I’m the worst at following through, I’m kind hearted and have the best of intentions to bake for my neighbours or send a card to a friend. You ever feel like that? Like you’re really good with showing kindness in your heart? I know that may sound a bit crazy, but it’s true, if I only sent all the sympathy, thinking of you, thank you, birthday cards I wrote in my head:)

I often feel this way in motherhood, I have the best intentions to savour the moment with my girls, spend time playing with them, reading them books, teaching them God’s word. In my head it’s so smooth, we glide through our day, singing softly and smiling at one another while we dance through our day. Then I get out of bed and reality begins; constant bickering, “she took my toy, she looked at me funny, poo poo face," it takes everything in me not to lose my mind. Don’t even get me started on the messes that follow me all day long. I’m lucky if my kids get there teeth brushed some days. It is exhausting being a mother.

I make promises to my kids and husband that I can’t keep because there are only so many hours in the day. “Yes, I’ll sew the button on your shirt; we’ll build a fort tomorrow.” I try my best but sometimes it doesn’t feel like enough. Sometimes as moms, we feel lonely in our journey, not measuring up to the standards we’ve made for ourselves.

Tonight I went to see the movie Moms’ Night Out, if you are a mom, go see it. I will warn you, it starts off a bit cheezy and mediocre but it will be worth it. It was thought provoking, heartfelt and at times hilarious. As a mom there were many relatable moments.

It was about a mom who was exhausted trying to be everything to her family and never felt like she was good enough. Her house was a mess, husband travelled, kids got into mischief, she would show up to church a wreck and compare herself to the moms who looked perfect (relatable already right?). Her husband encourages her to do something for herself, which I found hilarious as he used the same analogy that Mark uses to me, “you need to use your oxygen mask before you can help others.” She plans a girl’s night with her friend and pastor’s wife and the adventure begins…

After an evening of mishaps there is a beautiful scene of her talking with a rough biker, he talks of the pressure she’s putting on herself for perfection, drawing on experiences from his own mother. He told her God knew who her children needed as a mom and He will guide her. Then he said something his mother always said, “I’m a mess, but I’m a beautiful mess. I’m His masterpiece, and that is enough.” I found that so powerful. I will put on my mirror and meditate on it. I’m a mess, but I’m a beautiful mess. I’m His masterpiece and that is enough.

Will that be enough for you this mother’s day? God made me to be me, he gave me my three girls as a gift to love and guide for as long as he allows. My prayer is that I use this time wisely, that I don’t waste this precious time chasing after perfection but I place my trust in Him to guide me through each day, giving me my manna for the day, nothing more, nothing less.